There are more than 200 pedigree dog breeds recognised in the UK, ranging from the curly coated to the wiry haired; the big-eared to pointy nosed; and the very small to the very, very big. Among these UK breeds are some of the biggest dogs in the world.
Every dog needs regular exercise, but larger dogs will often require more, with many needing over two hours a day, depending on the dog’s age (puppies and old dogs will require considerably less in order to avoid over-exercising).
These dogs are best suited to owners who have a spacious house and garden, in order to provide them with enough room for exercise, mental stimulation and to express themselves.
Training is also essential with any dog, but, especially with bigger breeds, it’s crucial that owners are able to exert control so that they can handle their pet more easily and understand their dog’s behaviour.
Whilst each breed has certain characteristics, individual dogs have their own unique and varying traits, and there are many other factors that can shape a dog’s character and temperament.
Think your dog is big? Meet these 10 giant dog breeds
1. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is the biggest of all the breeds – soaring to an average height of 61–82cm (32-24 inches) – but despite their size, they are soft and calm; a truly gentle giant. Sadly, the breed is classed as a British vulnerable breed owing to their low annual puppy births, but they are known to be a kind and friendly dog.
2. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard, the national breed of Switzerland, is a trustworthy and intelligent breed, historically used for rescue work, locating lost and stranded travellers in their native Switzerland. Working breeds, such as the Saint Bernard, aid humans in many ways and tend to be specialists in their field, excelling in their line of work. The minimum height for a Saint Bernard ranges between 71-76cm (28-30 inches).
3. Great Dane
Despite the name, Great Danes actually originate from Germany. The breed has a friendly and outgoing temperament, much like Scooby Doo – perhaps the most well-known Great Dane – and are another breed sometimes referred to as gentle giants, with the minimum height of an adult dog ranging from 71-76cm (28-30 inches).
4. Afghan Hound
Since ancient times, Afghan Hounds have been famous for their elegant beauty. But the thick, silky, flowing coat that is the breed’s crowning glory used to serve as protection from the harsh climate in mountainous regions where the breed originally worked. The breed can reach heights of approximately 68.5–73.5cm (27-29 inches).
5. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland has a long heritage in water-based rescue, from assisting fishermen to saving swimmers in distress at sea. Nowadays, they are just as well known for being a patient and loyal family companion, and range from approximately 66.04 x 71.12cm (26-28 inches) in height.
6. English Setter
English Setters, currently on the vulnerable native breeds list, are active dogs who need more than two hours exercise per day – they enjoy walking, running and any other form of exercise in outdoors spaces. They have a distinctive and beautiful coat, which needs grooming more than once a week. They can reach a maximum height of around 65–68.5cm (25.5–27 inches).
7. Weimaraner
Recognisable by its shiny silver-grey coat, which has earned the epithet ‘grey ghost’, Weimaraners are intelligent, friendly, agile dogs that need more than two hours of exercise per day. They love being outdoors on long walks in leafy spaces. The breed can grow to a maximum height of 63.5–68.5cm (25-27 inches).
8. Otterhound
One of the rarest and most vulnerable UK breeds, the Otterhound is an easy-going and good-natured dog. Their weather-resistant coat and webbed feet means they are just as comfortable in water as they are on land. They range from around 61–68.5cm (24-27 inches) in height.
9. Bernese Mountain dog
Originating from the Swiss mountains, Bernese Mountain dogs were used as general farm dogs and to pull carts. These dogs are equipped with a long, thick coat, which traditionally would protect them from cold mountain temperatures while they’re worked. The breed measures approximately between 58.5-70cm (23 – 27.5 inches).
10. Deerhound
The Deerhound is one of the tallest pedigree dog breeds, reaching a minimum of 76cm (30 inches). They are calm and friendly, known for being obedient and easy to train – but sadly this is another breed classed as vulnerable. Because of their size, they need owners that can provide them with more than two hours of exercise a day, as well as access to a large garden to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Find out more about The Kennel Club’s campaign to save vulnerable and ‘at watch’ breeds. More information about all 223 pedigree breeds found in the UK, can be found on The Kennel Club website.
Main image: 3 year-old Irish Wolfhound Seamus, Irish Guards mascot, and his handler Drummer Ashley Dean following the Irish Guards Parade for St Patrick’s Day at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, south-west of London. (Credit: Henry Nicholls / Getty Images)
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